Fourth water main break in Hoboken in three days - but it's small; United Water continues testing water quality

Hudson Reporter

Mar 30, 2013 | 4660 views | 0 | 6 | |

HOBOKEN -- On Saturday morning, the city sent out this advisory, mentioning a small water main break and updating residents on the quality of the city's drinking water:

United Water’s emergency team collected system-wide water quality samples yesterday in response to a broken water main that caused a boil water advisory for all Hoboken residents Thursday. The break, which occurred about 11 a.m. Thursday, caused low water pressure or a loss of water for residents and businesses in the City and the ensuing boil water advisory was put in place.

The boil water advisory means that all Hoboken residents and businesses will have to boil their water for one minute for the following: drinking, cooking or baking, making ice cubes, taking medication, brushing teeth, washing food, mixing baby formula or food, mixing juices or drinks, feeding pets and all other consumption. Water does not have to be boiled for the following activities: showering, washing dishes or clothes.

The company’s water quality specialists are conducting laboratory tests to ensure the quality of the water. Results will be available sometime later today and must be reported to and verified by the New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection before the boil water advisory can be lifted

This morning at approximately 7:30 a.m., a leak on a smaller 8 inch main was reported on Jefferson Street between 8th and 9th streets. An emergency crew was immediately dispatched and is beginning repairs. These repairs will not delay the potential for the boil water advisory to be lifted.

“We understand that main breaks are a major inconvenience for residents of Hoboken,” said Tom Neilan, director of operations for United Water. “We are concentrating on ensuring the quality of the water and returning the system to normal.”

For a news story on this week's breaks, read the cover of the Hoboken Reporter, being delivered to Hoboken doorsteps this weekend. Or come back to hudsonreporter.com, the lower half of the page, starting Sunday.